NW Valley Times

As Arizonans face the first heat wave of 2024, meteorologists predict a normal to below-normal monsoon season with increased wildfire risk this summer. APS has assured customers that crews are prepared to respond and that there is an adequate power supply to reliably serve them.

“APS crews prepare for summer year-round, performing maintenance and upgrades to keep the electrical system running strong. Being ready takes a team of employees utilizing bucket trucks and helicopters, deploying technology like drones and robots, analyzing data and engineering solutions. And when outages occur crews are ready to respond in often challenging conditions,” said Mackenzie Rodgers, APS Senior Director of Operations and Maintenance. “Just as we focus on safety with our employees, we encourage everyone to be safe this summer, whether that’s preparing in advance for summer emergencies, staying hydrated or checking on vulnerable family members and neighbors.”

Arizona's official monsoon season runs from June 15 through September 30. With the combination of 2024 monsoon predictions, summer heat, wildfire risk, and overgrowth in vegetation due to a wet winter, APS employees have taken proactive measures:

**Monsoon Preparedness and Storm Response**

- Meteorologists will track conditions that may trigger extreme winds, lightning, rain, and flooding.

- Field crews will stage resources ahead of storms and clean up debris once it is safe.

- Grid operators will reroute power around issues to restore service quickly.

**Wildfire Prevention and Response**

- Field crews cleared dry brush from about 40,000 power poles this year.

- New weather stations, fire monitoring cameras, and innovative modeling technology are being used by meteorologists.

- Fire mitigation experts collaborate with fire authorities on emergency response plans.

**Heat Waves and Power Supply**

- Resource planners forecast electricity needs years ahead.

- Energy market traders secure diverse energy resources including solar, wind, nuclear power as well as flexible natural gas and energy storage.

- APS maintains a backup power supply for unforeseen events.

APS has provided several safety tips for customers:

1. Remove overgrown vegetation around your property.

2. Pack an emergency supply kit with essentials such as non-perishable foods, water, a first-aid kit among others.

3. Make a family emergency plan including important phone numbers.

4. Register life-supporting medical equipment with APS by calling 602-371-7171.

5. Update contact information with APS via aps.com or by calling (602) 371-7171.

6. Secure outdoor objects that could cause damage during storms.

7. Stay at least 100 feet away from downed power lines; call 911 followed by APS.

To manage electricity bills during hot months:

1. Pre-cool homes during off peak hours if on specific Time-of-Use plans.

2. Adjust thermostats up slightly; each degree can save up to three percent on cooling costs.

3. Use curtains or blinds to block out heat; consider shade screens or plants outside windows.

4. Set ceiling fans counter-clockwise in summer but turn them off when not in use.

Qualifying customers can access support programs such as crisis bill assistance or monthly bill discounts among others through aps.com/assistance.

APS serves approximately 1.4 million homes and businesses across Arizona’s counties providing reliable energy while committing to deliver 100% clean power by 2050.

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